US East & Gulf Ports Labor Talks Make Progress
International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) & United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) make progress in contract negotiations
Concluding three of four days of scheduled negotiations, the two sides announced agreement in principle on issues involving the introduction of new technology and automation and maintenance and repair of chassis within marine terminals and at off-pier facilities at the East and Gulf Coast ports.
"We had a productive session in Florida," ILA president Harold J. Daggett and USMX chairman and CEO James A. Capo said in a joint statement. "We're pleased that we were able to resolve some important issues and look forward to continuing bargaining to reach agreement on the remaining issues in the current negotiations."
"The East and Gulf Coasts ports are crucial to the health of the nation's economy and we take seriously our responsibility to reaching an agreement without any disruption in the supply chain and operation of the 14 ports," they said.
Capo and Daggett also directed management and ILA locals to begin bargaining on local port issues.